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8/13/08 This is my first post on this website. I am excited to start my journey with weight loss and into a new world! My life will never ever be about BEING FAT AGAIN!!!! I received the best news that I was approved by BCBS-NJ yesterday. I couldn't have been more excited. I should have my surgery within the next 4-5 weeks. I am waiting for the day now. I can't believe this is finally a reality for me!! So here is my story...in 2002 tipping the scales at 308 I vowed never to get any bigger. I went to Great America and was embarrassed when I couldnt' fit on the one ride I wanted to ride. The raging bull. So I began an exercise program on my own and I worked out 6 times a week, 2 times a day 45 mins to an hour each time. I lost 50 lbs from 3/1-6/1/02 as the time went on I continued to lose and eventually got down to 243 from 308. I maintained for about a year trying to reach my goal of 170-175 but it never became a reality. So as the time went on my weight started to rise :thumbup:. And nothing worked any longer. So here I am today 8/13/08, 330 pounds :thumbup: and I will NEVER EVER see that number again:rolleyes2:. I should have my surgery by mid September. :thumbup: I CAN'T WAIT!!!!

No I didn't give up on my program. I have been up and down for years. And researched and thought about this surgery back in 2003 and finally tired of going back and forth up and down. Also because I have gained weight I can't exercise like I used too. 2 times a day 6 x's a week.

My diet has basically gone back to what it was pre-op, just less of it. I aim to eat three meals a day, no snacks (as per guidelines from my surgeon), but there's many days I don't do that. Honestly it's really not much of a change, just learning to eat more slowly (and without water) to ensure satiety.

Im not anywhere near goal, but pretty darn happy with my progress! Stats: lost 36 lbs, then measured, and couldnt belive..... Lost in inches: 2 off chin 1 off neck 6 off stomach 6 off waist 1 1/2 off ea thigh 1 1/2 off ea calf 8 off back/bust (ladies it was back not boobies!!) 3 off rump Measurements made my day!! Nsvs: Told twice this week to buy new work clothes, they are falling off!!! The up and down look I get from people that I know notice but dont say anything. My rings are falling off where as before I couldnt take them off. My new confidence!! Icing on the cake: more to lose, its only the beginning...it can only get better and I cant wait!!!

How has the first six weeks gone for you? Don’t know if everyone else goes through the same thing as the date approaches, but what I am curious now is about living with RNY. And how long until the everyday routine of vitamins and diet become normal.

I went for my first 2 week post op and list 20lb and feeling great. I can start mushy foods today. he said to watch calories more then anything and to eat protein first. he agreed that the south beach diet is probably the best to follow. he said about 1000 1200 calorie a day and 60 to 80 grams of protein that that sound right. he also said 4oz of protein per meal. he used a 34 bogie us that considered average

Good news. Good luck on your surgery. Here are some suggestions: Take an unflattering before photograph of yourself. Later when the weight is off, take an after photo. You and everyone you show it to will be astonished. Thirty minutes of walking everyday. This will help the recovery process immensely. If you drink caffeinated drinks, cut that out now. I gave up my 6 Coke a day habit cold-turkey. I suffered through a week of withdrawal syndrome (very bad headaches). It is better to get that over with now, than compound it with the effects of surgery.

Leading up to surgery, a good supply of liquids...remembering that this is only for 7 days (in my wife's case). Most people here could do that in their sleep. After surgery, healing. You aren't looking to lose weight. Joy would have a instant breakfast and make it taste a bit better with a scoop of ice cream. As the swelling goes down you start getting hungry...stick to your "heavy liquids". She loved the cream of potato soup and V-8. Joy had her two week post-op appt today and the doc put her on mushies. Her first BIG meal in the last three weeks.......mashed potatoes. Good luck!

Zet, Don't let anyone try to change your mind if this is what you want. I've lost over 50 pounds in three months and even though I have at least 50 more to go you can't believe how much good it has done for me and this is a forever fix. It can stay in you and work with you until your dead and gone. As far as foreign objects, I have more metal in my neck and back and foot than this band takes up and what about crowns on your teeth, they're foreign. You just don't pay any attention to them. We'll all be supporting you here.

Hello Everybody! It has been 10 days since I was sleeved. I'm doing pretty well. Looking forward to moving to mushies next week! :thumbup: YAY! I've lost 16lbs. so far. :lol0: When I went back to the doctor he told me that I was dehydrated and needed to drink more. They told me I need to drink like 3 20oz bottles of liquid everyday. I probably have been drinking 1... I guess I have been worried about drinking too much or taking too big of sips. HOW do I know if this happens? I really haven't had any problems since the surgery. I haven't felt like I was going to throw up or anything like that. Also when I drink soup, I am finally able to eat soup with chicken and vegetables if it is put through the blender! What happens if I put too much in my sleeve? I usually go with 1/2 cup, but sometimes I still feel hungry... Advice anyone? :001_smile:

I also had problems with taking in air when I drink or eat. The first two weeks were hard for me. Lots of pain/discomfort. Now I'm about 2 1/2 mos out from surgery and this rarely happens. Just hang in there. It will get better!

I'm in the same boat. I'm 5 weeks out . I get all my protein and even go over. Average around 100-120 g of protein but I feel like I can eat lots of food. I'm trying to focus on more water. I don't exercise as much as I would like too. I am in a stall between 240 to 237 it moves back and fourth

Don't worry..You are geared to lose weight...Your body is going to shut you down if it feels distress....You will start again but give your sleeve a chance to heal okay....Everyone is in such a hurry...LOL This is a life long journey, enjoy the ride...There will be good weeks and bad weeks, good days and bad days...Seems to me you are doing great...A loss is a loss.....

I had vsg.at 25 december i am in stall week 3 and week 4. I am so sad of this stall...i just lose 7 killograms untill now Sent from my SM-G900V using BariatricPal mobile app

I am a hiker both pre and post op. Even before food considerations, make sure you have more then enough Water. Probably 2x the amount you take now. I went on a difficult hike at week 3 (mistake in hindsight) and ran out of water at the top. It was a tough hike going down too and I had zero water. This hike was 5 miles round trip, but 1 mile was flat and 1.5 mile was 3000 foot climb to lake. Hard for even "good" hikers. Just to let you know, I took 64 oz, was still only enough for going up. I got really really dehydrated in the last mile back to the car and did not think I was going to make it. Seriously, I was thinking about a living will and power of attorney right there if my body shut down and if I did make it back in only dehydrated state, what the ER trip back to the hospital was going to be like. This is not hyperbole!!! Any ways, made it back to the car and downed water all the way home and was still wiped out when at ho.e. went to sleep very early so wiped out from the ordeal. Don't repeat this!! So- now you understand the importance of staying hydrated on a challenging hike ( or any hike) post op. As for food, you will want to have 3 or 4 Protein shakes with you. You do not need them pre mixed, but have the powder in baggies so you can quickly mix the up. This is if you are hiking before 1 month post op. Once you are on solids, I would make sure you take small protein packages (1-3 ounces in size). Try and west one every 1/2 mile. I do not really know as I was not hiking until 6 months out after the week 3 hike. If you are far enough out, make sure you are testing good carbs. Nuts.com makes good energy squares that will really help you up those switchbacks. Cliff bard are OK for hiking, but they have a ton of sugar so not so good for us. Most likely you would get diarrhea from the sugar overload and that is no fun on a home. Try and replace Clif bars with a low carb variety so there is no sugar rush. Again, small increments of protein are good to eat as you are hiking up the trail. Think sausage size, lunch meat or babel cheeses. Hope this helps!

It has been two weeks and five days since my surgery, and I am left in wonder and introspection. I have had my first post-op doctor's appointment and am scheduled to see him again in about two months. I am to lose 24 pounds by then. My scale and the scale at my doctor's are different by six pounds; I also weigh myself nude at home while I am fully clothed while at my doctor's (plus I think I had my car keys in my jeans pocket). I've realized I haven't been following the schedule that I am supposed to have set with my meals: 3 meals a day, 2oz each, and 2 protein shakes. I am still on a liquid diet; broths and protein shakes have been my meals. I've been nearly meeting my protein intake of 50g a day (I get around 46-50, depending on the kind of shake I drink). Along with my realization that I need to work on my food schedule, I also realized I need to be measuring my broth so I can get used to the 2 oz of food I am allowed, so when day 22 comes along, I will measure my soft foods out of habit. Instead of measuring my broth, I've been pouring them into my little toddler bowl and eating it slowly until I feel full. I believe that I was eating double of what I should, but then would not "eat" broth the rest of the day, but would focus on drinking my protein shakes. Even with the completion of my third week coming up and soft foods will soon be on my menu, I am still only allowed 500 calories. This is somewhat concerning to me in that a protein shake that I am loving automatically gives me 220 calories. I can reduce that by using just water to make my shake as opposed to a cup of soy milk and half a cup of water; though with the current way I make my shake, I get 33g of protein in. I'm considering having that shake as a "breakfast" and shake combo. I am also concerned about the 500 calories since I will be starting to exercise, besides the everyday walking that I do. I will start slow, but I also know that beforehand I could burn 400 calories with 30mins of cardio. I trust my doctor, so I just have to hold on to that while wrapping my head around the idea of small calorie intake and the addition of cardio and eventually strength training. With all these changes that I've been going through, I've realized that I've been focusing on the wrong numbers: instead of focusing on my number triad of 500/50/<40, I have been focusing on the number on the scale. and disappointed in that I see no difference in my body shape. Still, I know I am losing weight, and I tell/comfort myself with the idea that I may be losing slowly compared to others but that could be good for me skin wise and also, just adjustment wise. I've taken to keeping a food diary, and have set up a weight loss chart to remind myself that even if I cannot see a difference, I am losing weight and am on track. With all that being said, I am glad that I've taken this big step and am making progress on my journey. I've realized my mistakes and am seeking to correct them. I am working on my water intake, thought I do get my full amount of liquids in through the broth, shakes and bit of water I do drink. I know I need to get better at my water intake since I will be trying soft foods soon, so I will be including broth less and less in my liquid intake (and really, I am getting so freaking tired of chicken broth). I am making my way down this path and with each little step I'm realizing past mistakes in the way I ate and took care of myself, and I'm realizing the mistakes I was making now and am working on correcting those. Sometimes, things that are worthwhile must be worked for and earned so their enjoyment is that much sweeter. My life will be so much sweeter learning and meeting the new me. And for now, in the short term, the sweetness will come with my first scrambled egg!

I have my 1st support group meeting this week. Im kinda nervous. What do I say?? Ive never been to one of these before. anyone have some experience they can share with me? thanks a million

One word: NORMAL! Sparkling, check out the Food Stages thread under the Foods Forum. You should get some good ideas for other foods to eat/drink at this stage post-op. Remember to follow YOUR docs orders for foods, though. If your doc says no mushies at this point, please wait. You need to heal. Don't eat anything that causes your stomach to move alot. Find your calories with liquids and you will feel better. Egg Drop Soup was a big hit with me. Most docs don't give fills for the first 6 weeks, and as you are doing liquids anyway, you don't need one. A fill will restrict well-chewed foods, and you aren't there yet because you are healing right now. Hang in there. It does get better!!!!

In 12 weeks, I've hit my first big goal of losing 50 lbs! It has been a battle of discipline, but soooo worth it. After getting bloodwork done last week, Dr. says I'm not diabetic anymore and my blood pressure is normal! Also, I have stopped snoring, so I'm not using my CPAP regularly which has made me use less Ambien . Even with the pain, struggle, and stalls, I have to say it was ALL worth it. My journey is not over, and the next 25 lbs will be tough...but not impossible. Stay strong, stay focused, and stay positive!

Holy cow you guys, that's great. I'm 3.5 weeks post-op and still feeling a lot of pain in my abdomin. I was just thinking how hard it would be if I'd had to go back to work after 2 weeks! Good on ya, and may as well go back to work if you're feeling that good. Just be sure to take it slow!

Is it to good to be true. I have not had any complications or been tired at all. I feel like it is too good to be true. At seven days post op I'm getting in 50 ounces of Water daily and about 55 grams of Protein daily totaling about 300 calories. I am NOT tired at all throughout the day. I just wonder if it is going to catch up with me. I had originally planned to take two weeks off of work. But now that I feel great I'm going to go back to work after 1 week off.

Lucky dog. I had a slower, more painful recovery. My lapband was easy peasy 4 yrs ago compared to the sleeve. I'm now 3 1/2 weeks out and feeling 100%. it took about 2 weeks to not wake up feeling like I was hit by a bus. Count your blessings! Good luck!

Hi everyone. I am so glad to have found this group. It appears to be a wonderful support and information system. I am a 34 year old, wife and mother to four boys (ages 4,5,9,10. The oldest two have autism). I have been over weight all my life, but my health has really went down hill since the birth of my last child. I have been interested in weight loss surgery for several years now, but because of a lack of insurance, it was not a possibility for me. In June of this year, my husband joined the Toyota production team here in Mississippi and we got insurance on day one. I began pursuing my options very soon thereafter. I have finished all of my pre-surgery testing: weight management visits, EGD, stress-test, colonoscopy, sleep study and psych eval. My appointment to see the surgeon again and to submit everything to the insurance company is this Monday, Oct. 24. It will take up to four weeks to get a surgery date after that. I will keep y'all posted. I have already met my max out of pocket for this year, so this should not cost me anything. Everyone wish me luck! :0)

give it time. i had a ton of adhesions removed from my stomach, pancreas, and spleen from 10 years ago (unknown case of pancreatitis after my gall bladder removal) this caused a ton of swelling in my stomach. i couldnt keep anything down for almost 4 weeks. my stomach wasnt squeezing due to the swelling. water and shakes went in. nothing went out. extreme nausea, pain, bloating and then everything would come back up. surgeon told me to be patient. give it time. he was right. it was 2-3 weeks longer recover time for me. as long as you are hydrated, and your pain is controlled, rest and heal. if you are in intolerable pain or cant get enough fluids in, call your surgeon. (or cant keep anything down or have terrible nausea... i needed 3 nausea meds!)

My fills usually lasted about 3 or 4 weeks, hence I was getting fills once a month for about 6 months. Then at 9 mos. my fill lasted and lasted so I haven't gotten a fill for the last 3 months. But realize everyone is VERY different. This has just been my experience.